By BEN KLEINE

Staff writer

Marion Advancement Campaign is in the process of transforming the city auditorium into a community center.

The initial cost estimate of the renovation was $591,000. By using volunteer labor and nixing plans to renovate basement and the bathrooms, the renovation will cost $30,000 and $40,000, estimates Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin.

Kjellin, who is on the MAC board, said the plan is to make the center big enough for 200 people, making it one of two places in Marion County that can host large events; the Pilsen community center is the other.

Kjellin said he has kept city council members apprised of the progress, including a memo about proceeding with the excavation of auditorium seating without receiving tax credits MAC previously sought.

MAC and Kiwanis Club members have removed some of the 334 chairs that were on the ground level and 313 chairs in the balcony. The second phase of the plan is to level the floor surface by building a deck. When the floor is leveled, tables and chairs will replace the auditorium seats.

MAC is relying on volunteer help to do the work.

The materials are being paid by MAC and Kjellin is attempting to sell the auditorium seats to other theaters and organizations looking to make renovations. He has already contacted the Kansas State Historical Society and the city of Potwin, which is starting a renovation.

MAC has had plans for the city auditorium since 2008.

“In the summer of 2008, I was looking at the auditorium,” Kjellin said. “We really need something here to have a community center.”

Although the floor is being leveled, the stage will stay in place so the center can be used for dinner theater.

Kjellin said the center will provide an option for anniversaries, reunions, and wedding receptions.

“Several parents of kids looking at getting married have said we’d like to have it in Marion but there is no place to have it,” he said. “Now they’ll have that place. It’s a good investment.”